About (Talisman)

Welcome 👋 ! I’m really glad you’re here.

Diptych of Talisman as a young girl holding a cat who looks squeamish. 
Clear evidence that I haven’t always embodied consent. 🐈

I’m Talisman Brolin (she/they), a connector, art lover, empath, and ENFP. Creating and welcoming spaces has always been important to me. I'm deeply passionate about amplifying diverse, creative and progressive voices, curating resources, and I'm constantly learning how to build and support diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities (currently training to be a birth doula with Cornerstone Birthwork Training).

I identify as a sex-positive, queer, neurodivergent, creative and entrepreneur. I earned my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Brown University, spent 20 years as an award-winning photographer, served as COO of a civic empowerment nonprofit, and have over 15 years of analytical, visionary leadership, and interpersonal volunteer experience, focused on community growth and individual wellness.

Oh, and nature has it all figured out. If we can just listen, respect, and align ourselves, it can guide us through almost any large or small-scale challenge (check out asknature.org).

  • Yes, Talisman is my legal name. ✨

    I was born and bred in Greenwich Village (NYC).asknature.org

    My parents traveled the world before having me at 42, in 1982. Their experiences gratefully influenced how they raised me.

    I’ve danced my whole life, you name it I’ve likely choreographed, led or followed it.

    I grew up with a lot of love, adventures, the best of intentions and zero boundaries.

    My grandmother was Eva Zeisel (I designed the website) a Hungarian-born Industrial Designer. I am inspired every day by the love and empathy she put into her design process. She was driven by her playful search for beauty (watch her TED Talk) and deeply understood how to have people feel connect to her and her work.

    I’m definitely a Taurus.

    I didn’t have grades in my High School.

    My favorite classes at Brown University were Cross Cultural Perspectives on Child Rearing and Development, and Modern Culture and Media.

    I’ve been volunteering with The ELM Project/Camp AmeriKids for over 10 years. As part of the Wellness Team—we hold space for our campers and volunteers during our beautifully intense week of sleep-away camp.

    I burned out as a professional photographer because I didn’t understand boundaries, how to pace myself and how to prioritize my mental and physical health.

    I thought I was an extrovert until I was 35, because I wasn’t socially awkward—nope, full on ambivert.

    I was Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit, and oversaw tandem national launches, welcoming thought leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Hendrik Hertzberg.

    I was a Crisis Text Line Counselor during Covid, and the 30 hour mental health training/100+ hours I was volunteering changed my life both personally and professionally.

    Much of my life revolves around my profound understanding of the interconnectedness of nature (including humans, animals, plants etc.).

    I volunteer with animal rescues and it makes my heart full. 10/10 would recommend fostering. 💯 🐾

    I was diagnosed as Bipolar 2 during Covid and couldn’t have felt more relieved.

    After a brief stint with SSRIs, I tried micro-dosing psilocybin and it changed my life.

    I’ve found the world of kink to be healing and affirming, especially when it comes to communication, consent and boundaries.

    I love when people say no to me because it means they feel comfortable and empowered.

    You can ask me anything, I’ve learned not to take it personally. I highly recommend it. ❤️